Rep. David Cicilline hosts “Neighborhood Conversations” at the Rogers Free Library last Thursday.

The discussion was amicable between the 40-or-so attendees and U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D) last Thursday.

Rep. Cicilline hosted “Neighborhood Conversations” at the Rogers Free Library, reaching out to constituents about his legislative efforts in Washington, D.C.

Questions arose whether government officials get a 75-percent taxpayer stipend for their personal healthcare coverage. Rep. Cicilline told attendees that the federal government is mandated to seek out insurance through an insurance exchange service, thus giving up their previous employer-sponsored coverage. The “stipend” is the portion the government was paying on behalf of its employees, who now have to seek out private insurance, he said.

Other comments from attendees included a desire to end the war in Afghanistan, lowering interest rates on college loans, tax reform, and securing the Mexican boarder.